Sea of Poppies

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008, Sea of Poppies is a sweeping historical novel set just before the Opium Wars, following the tumultuous voyage of the old slaving-ship, the Ibis, across the Indian Ocean. Featuring a diverse cast of characters—including Indians and Westerners from various backgrounds—the story explores themes of colonial upheaval, kinship, and identity, capturing a vivid panorama of 19th-century life in Asia. With its intricate characters and rich settings, the novel offers a compelling and immersive portrait of a pivotal era in colonial history.